BY SUNDAY EGEDE
A major hospitality investment is set to transform Delta State’s tourism landscape as a new luxury hotel project, described as “the only royal hotel in West Africa,” moves toward completion before the end of the year.
The owner of the hotel, High Chief Stanley Obodoagwu, who spoke in an interview with journalists at Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state, said the vision behind the project was to curb capital flight and reposition Delta as a prime destination for luxury tourism and family vacations.
Chief Obodoagwu said he decided to do something different in the hospitality industry by embarking on the hotel which, he said, was going to be 100 per cent royal, saying “our people travel to Dubai, to other countries, seeking the same kind of experience we are putting up here today.”
According to him, the hotel is designed to meet international standards and provide a premium experience comparable to top destinations abroad, pointing out that the facility located in Okpanam will feature 92 rooms, including duplex apartments and a presidential suite, alongside other luxury apartments tailored to accommodate families and corporate guests.
“This place is modern. We have rooms and apartments to accommodate every family — for vacation, for business, for everything,” he said confidently.
While expressing optimism that construction of the hotel would be completed before the end of this year, he said beyond luxury and comfort, the project has great economic value, particularly in job creation as the hotel, when operational, is expected to employ about 200 workers across its various departments.
The entrepreneur who is also a philanthropist, explained why he chose to site the project in Delta State, stressing his roots and confidence in the state’s investment climate.
He commended the state government for creating an enabling environment for investors to thrive, “saying our governor is doing very well. He has put up the enabling environment for investors to come down and begin to do their legitimate businesses.”
Addressing Nigerians in the diaspora and investors across the country, he urged them to consider investing in their home states to stimulate development and tackle insecurity.
“If we don’t assist the government in creating jobs, then we will assist others in creating chaos and insecurity,” he warned, adding that “we must work to create jobs in this country. Once people are working, crime will reduce.”
With its promise of world-class hospitality, significant employment opportunities and a bold vision to rival international destinations, the new royal hotel project is poised to become a landmark development in Delta State and a potential game-changer for the region’s tourism and hospitality industry.
